Kate Rheaume-Bleue, a naturopathic physician, has discovered a link between excess abdominal fat and insomnia. In recent trials researchers have begun monitoring glucose levels and their connection to belly fat and insomnia.
These trials showed that many people who were overweight particularly with abdominal fat suffered quite dramatic fluctuations in their blood sugar throughout the night. Once the blood sugar drops at night time, especially at 3 a.m., they would awaken. Generally healthy and average people don’t experience these types of changes.
Rheaume-Bleue explained that fiber has a very stabilizing affect on blood sugar and recommends lots of fiber, at least 35 grams a day. People can therefore manage their night time awakenings by altering their diet and choosing low-glycemic index foods because they are less likely to cause blood sugars to increase. In addition, people should never skip breakfast and need to include protein and some fat into their diets.

Sources:  More information on the study Rheaume-Bleue bases her information on can be found on the PGX website (www.pgx.com).